BlackBerry promises ‘innovative’ new smartphones for 2015

In the wake of yesterday’s BlackBerry Passport launch, CEO John Chen has revealed the company has further ‘innovative’ devices on the way.

Although the BlackBerry head failed to offer any intimate details as to the nature of the upcoming products, Chen suggested next year’s phones would be “innovatively designed”.

This teasing comment could have any number of implications, both positive and negative.

The Passport could easily be classed as ‘innovatively designed’, although its oversized 4.5-inch square screen and squat physical keyboard don’t make it the next must-have handset.

In contrast, however, patents leaked earlier this week showing BlackBerry is working on plans for a touchscreen smartphone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Think back to the Palm Pre and you’re along the right lines.

The BlackBerry Passport has grabbed attention for its unusual design and boxy dimensions.

In unveiling the handset yesterday, Chen stated: “A lot of times when people look at this, they think it is a little big.”

In a less than convincing suffix, he added: “When you show it alongside an actual passport, they get a sign of relief.”

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